James M. ‘Jim’ Ferrell, 1952-2013

James M. “Jim” Ferrell Jr., 61, of Port Neches, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur. He was born on Feb. 20, 1952, in Houston, and moved to Beaumont in 1963. Ferrell graduated from French High School in 1970 and was the owner of Jim’s Drive In. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1972 until 1976.

After his honorable discharge from the service, Ferrell went to work for Stewart Title and was the manager for many years. He then became the escrow closer at Southeast Texas Title and had a membership with the Beaumont Board of Realtors. After leaving the title business, he then began working with Boys’ Haven and most recently he was a professor at Lamar Institute of Technology.

His affiliation with the Young Men’s Business League was a huge part of his outreach to other people. Ferrell served as past president in 2004; Keyman in 1995; Bull Ride Chairman in 2009; and Keyman president in 2010. Overall, he served in many capacities for more than 27 years.

“Jimbo” was a wonderful man, sometimes stubborn, but mostly a loving, caring, giving, and thoughtful person. He had a big heart. Ferrell was strong and very strong-willed but yet a gentle man, and he loved his wife very much. A lot of people never saw the soft side of Jim, but he definitely had one. He had numerous passions, such as hunting with his family and friends Sam Fazio, B.J. Tullier and Jim Gammage. Ferrell loved the beach, volunteering with the YMBL — he loved the organization and all the priceless relationships he had made.

He was a proud father and grandfather, and “Pawpaw Jim” loved all three of his children unconditionally. Ferrell loved his brother, Mark and his family just as he did his own. And even though his brother, Scott, is no longer with us, his children were very precious to Ferrell as well. His extended families such as The Gammages and The Springs were just as special to him.

He loved playing golf and coached little league for many years. Ferrell was a twirler dad, and supported his children all through their sport activities. He helped them strive to be there very best.

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